Solubility equilibria interactive: exploring Ksp and precipitation thresholds

Even "insoluble" salts dissolve—just not very much

Every salt has a solubility equilibrium with its own constant, Ksp. The smaller Ksp is, the less dissolves before equilibrium shuts it down. Drag the slider to change Ksp and watch when precipitation starts.

Dissolution Equilibrium
Unsaturated
Drag to change Ksp — precipitation occurs when Q > Ksp
Q < Ksp · UNSATURATED
Ksp value (×10⁻⁹)
1 25 50
Q (reaction quotient)
3.0×10⁻⁸
Precipitate
None

In pure water, AgCl dissolves until [Ag⁺][Cl⁻] = Ksp. Both ions come from the same source, so their concentrations rise together and equilibrium is reached symmetrically. The molar solubility s gives Ksp = s². Once Q reaches Ksp, no more solid dissolves—the solution is saturated. If you tried to add more AgCl, it would just sit at the bottom undissolved, because the equilibrium position has been reached.

Know This

Precipitation happens the instant Q exceeds Ksp, and a common ion suppresses solubility by driving equilibrium left.